Tincture of
benzoin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tincture of benzoin is a pungent solution of benzoin resin
in alcohol. A similar preparation called Friar's Balsam or Compound
Benzoin Tincture (USP) contains, in addition, Cape aloes and storax (liquidambar
resin).
Medical
uses
Tincture of benzoin has two main
medical uses: as a treatment for damaged skin in the "Compound" form,
and as an inhalant in the non-Compound form.
Compound Tincture of Benzoin (CTB)
is often applied to skin before applying tape or other adhesive bandages. To
some degree, it protects the skin from allergy to the adhesive in the tape or
bandage, but mostly it makes the tape or bandages adhere much longer. Plain
Tincture of Benzoin will not do this, and tape will tend not to stick to skin
treated with it.[1]
It is also used by athletes for its reputation of toughening skin exposed to
the tincture. Orthopedists applying a cast often spray CTB in an aerosol can
onto skin before casting, as it protects the skin under the cast, and
diminishes itching.
It can be applied to minor cuts as a
styptic
and antiseptic
(an effect of both the benzoin and its alcohol solvent).[1]
As plain Tincture of Benzoin, it is
also used as an oral mucosal protectant, for recurring canker sores,
fever blisters, and the like.
Plain Tincture of Benzoin can also
be inhaled in steam as a treatment for various conditions including bronchitis
and colds. There is some disagreement as to whether or not benzoin
should be used as a treatment for asthma.[2][3]
It is used in the U.S. military to
treat blisters.
A common treatment utilized by medics in the U.S. Army is to drain the fluid
from a blister and to inject the same amount of compound tincture of benzoin,
to help seal the space created by the blister, to serve as a local antiseptic,
and to prevent further abrasion or loss of skin. This is commonly known as a
"hot shot" amongst military personnel due to the extreme burning
sensation that will be experienced for several moments when the tincture is
applied.[citation needed]
Cosmetic
use
Another, more remote use, is for
beautifying skin. The following excerpt is taken from the book "Personal Beauty"
printed in 1870:
"Gum Benzoin is a fragrant resin which comes to us from
the sunny meadows of Sumatra, and is redolent with odors of the Spice Islands,
and the mysterious virtues of tropical balms. Its qualities are strange. Mix a
little of it with fat, and the latter will not become rancid. Some of the
tincture, combined with glycerine, is simply the best application in the world
for chapped hands, and for those cracked nipples which afflict some women
during nursing. But this apart. We speak of it now as a cosmetic. Two ounces of
it to a pint of pure alcohol (free from acrid fusel oils and the like) make as
fine an application as those can ask who wish a white spotless tint, and
fragrant arome. Some of it may be used once or twice a day in the manner
already mentioned.
About a tablespoonful should be poured into a small tumbler
of water. It changes the water to a whitish fluid, which is known in France as
lait virginal, virgin's milk, and is highly and justly esteemed. None of the
cosmetic washed is more agreeable. Some glycerine can be added to the water if
desired."[4]
Toilette of Rank and Fashion stated,
in 1837:
"Virgin's Milk is compounded with tincture of Benzoin
and Rose-water; it is prepared by simply adding a few drops of the former to an
ounce or two of the latter, which produces a milky mixture. If the face is
washed with this, it will give it a beautiful ivory color. Let it remain on the
skin without wiping."[5]
"To one tablespoon of melted cocoa butter add, while it
is in the liquid: Compound Tincture of Benzoin (1 tablespoonful), Rose Water (1
tablespoonful). Keep this to massage into these tissues. The activity of these
ingredients will be to enliven and make for – well, this would be a very, very
good skin cleanser for anyone!”[6]
Use
in bodybuilding
Tincture of benzoin occasionally
finds use in weightlifting gyms in place of chalk or straps, in order to
improve grip. Application of the tincture to the palms and fingers makes
gripping heavy barbells or dumbbells somewhat easier; using benzoin instead of
gloves or straps helps improve the strength of one's grip and eliminates much
of the mess created by chalk, which is forbidden in some gyms. A light
application of the tincture to both hands, then rubbing them together to spread
it over the surface of the palms and fingers evenly, is sufficient to create a
tackier grip.[citation needed]
The original wiki link can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_of_benzoin
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